Top 25 Graduate UX/UI/HCI Schools and Colleges in the U.S. - 2024 Rankings

University of Washington (UW) has several graduate programs for students who are interested in UX/UI/HCI. Most options are based in UW’s College of Engineering. Serving approximately 5,615 undergraduate students, the College houses the Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) Department, which has MS and PhD options.

Students with a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience can also earn a User-Centered Design (UCD) certificate. This evening graduate program consists of four courses including three required courses (User-Centered Design, Usability Studies, and UX Speaker Series) and one elective. Sample electives include User-Centered Web Design; Interaction Design & Prototyping; and Information Visualization.

The College of Engineering at University of Washington also houses the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering which, in partnership with HCDE, the Information School, the Division of Design in the School of Art + Art History + Design, and faculty from other UW departments, comprises an award-winning research group known as Design: Use: Build (DUB).

This cross-disciplinary collective serves 33 students (from more than a dozen academic backgrounds), enrolled in a Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design (MHCI + D). The project-based curriculum for the program consists of a core and electives. Examples of core courses include Design of Interactive Systems; Ideation Studio; Usability/User Research; and Interdisciplinary HCI+D Seminar (DUB Seminar). Elective examples include Interactive Information Visualization; Advanced Introduction to HCI; Usability Studies; Input and Interaction; Designing Information Experiences; and Advanced Projects in IxD.

Students may also take the Portfolio and Professional Practices course which focuses on creating a portfolio, both online and for a portfolio presentation. The course also addresses other professional practices, such as job searches.

After 11 intense months of study, the MHCI+D program at University of Washington culminates with a Capstone project. This three-course, 14 credit hour culminating experience includes the Capstone Planning Seminar; Research Studio; and Capstone Studio. In teams, students will choose a focus area such as health, assistive technology, travel, the environment, education, or retail. Student teams will navigate the iterative design, prototyping, and evaluation process, resulting in an exhaustive project solution and presentation.

The HCDE PhD at University of Washington is a 90 credit hour program designed for students seeking careers as researchers and scholars. During the first two years students will select a dissertation advisor, begin their research in a concentration area and complete academic coursework. Examples of concentration areas include Human-Centered Data Science; Inclusive Design; Socia Computing; and Science & Technology Studies. The remainder of the program consists of extensive research and the completion of the dissertation.

The HCDE MS at University of Washington is an interdisciplinary program that attracts students who are interested in designing, researching, and engineering interactive technology. 50 credits are required to graduate. This includes 26 credits of HCDE electives and elective courses in specialized content areas, and 24 credits of required courses such as Usability Studies; User-Centered Design; and Experimental Methods.

Specialized content areas include Design, Strategy, and Engineering. Course examples across areas include Designing a Human Centered Venture; Information Visualization; International User Experiences and Communication; Physical Computing and Prototyping; User-Centered Web Design; and Design and Management of Complex Systems. Elective examples include Empirical Traditions; UX Speaker Series; Web Design Studio; Programming Concepts; DUB Seminar; Computational Concepts in HCDE; and the Internship.  

The HCDE MS program at UW culminates with a Capstone project. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in HCDE education, government, industry, and non-profits.

Across programs, examples of companies and organizations that have hired UW HCDE alumni include Boeing, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, Disney, Alaska Airlines, Intel, Expedia Group, IBM Designs, Intuit, Lyft, GoDaddy, Razorfish, T-Mobile, NBC Universal, Accenture, GE Digital, Capital One, Verizon, Publicis Sapient, Getty Images, Getty Images, Adobe, Nike, Starbuck’s, , Raytheon Technologies, Cisco, Uber, and Bungie, Inc.

Established in 1861, University of Washington serves approximately 60,095 students across campuses in Seattle (main), Bothell, and Tacoma, Washington. Collectively, these campuses provide more than 470 programs and 845 degrees housed across 18 colleges and schools. University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). UW Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

The School of Engineering at Stanford University was established in 1925. Serving more than 1,500 students, the School houses nine academic departments and several institutes. The interdisciplinary Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (also known as "the d.school") brings together faculty and students in business, engineering, education, humanities, and medicine to learn design thinking and address problems in a human-centered way. The Woods Institute for the Environment is a collaboration between students, staff, and faculty from the centers and institutes at Stanford. The Institute highlights education, interdisciplinary research, and outreach with a focus on the environment and sustainability.

Another Stanford Engineering highlight is Global Engineering Programs (GEP). Through GEP, students have access to international opportunities such as self-designed engineering internships. These internships allow students to learn about technology and engineering in a global context; gain real world experience in an environment; and build professional networks.

Established in 1965, the Department of Computer Science within Stanford School of Engineering houses the graduate CS program. Leading to an MS, this option provides the opportunity to enroll in an in-demand specialization such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence, Visual Computing, or Systems. The program features hands-on learning; research opportunities; and participation in the internship program.

Possible courses for the graduate CS program with an HCI specialization include Introduction to HCI Design; Interaction Design Studio; Topics in Human-Computer Interaction; Human Centered Product Management; Human-Computer Interaction Seminar; Design for Learning: Connection and Community; Programming Methodologies; Web Applications; Social Computing; Data Visualization; Computer Graphics and Imaging; Client-Side Internet Technologies; and Computer Organization and Systems.

Students with an undergraduate degree can also earn an HCI graduate certificate. Consisting of at least three courses and the highly recommended Human-Computer Interaction Seminar, this program prepares students for positions that require skills such as building virtual social environments, creating visualizations, and designing user interfaces. Students in this program have access to many of the same courses as students in the MS program do.

Across programs, graduates are also prepared for careers in Computer Science and any industry that requires a background in HCI, UX and UI. Examples of companies that routinely hire Stanford alumni include Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, Netflix, Snapchat, VMware, LinkedIn, and Arista Networks.

Stanford University was established in 1885 by former California Governor Leland Stanford, and his wife, Jane. The school opened its doors on October 1, 1891 with 555 students. Today, Stanford University is home to approximately 17,325 students served 2,300+ faculty members. Nearly 300 programs are provided across seven schools, supplemented by dozens of centers, institutes, and labs. Schools include Engineering; Humanities and Sciences; Sustainability; Business; Education; Law; and Medicine. Stanford University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

With 15,245 students, five schools, and 19 degree programs, the College of Computing at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is one of the largest technology colleges in the U.S. Among the offerings here is an MS in Human-Computer Interaction (MS-HCI) that draws from four schools including Interactive Computing; Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC); Industrial Design; and Psychology.

This multidisciplinary program requires 36 credit hours, taken over four semesters. Regardless of the school, students will take the same fixed core courses. These include HCI Professional Preparation and Practice; Human-Computer Interaction Foundations; and Psychology Research Methods for HCI.

In addition, students will take courses related to their specialization, as well as electives across a wide range of areas such as Human-Robot Interaction; Human Factors; Technology Management; Computer Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering; and Cognitive Science. Specializations include Interactive Computing; Digital Media (DM, through the School of LMC); Industrial Design; and Psychology. With the exception of Psychology, all specializations provide numerous opportunities to immerse in HCI and related-coursework.

Across areas, students can choose from courses and electives such as Principles of User Interface Software; Human-Centered Computing; Interface Prototyping: Exploring Tools & Theories; Mixed Reality Experience Design; Human-Robot Interaction; Special Problems in Human-Computer Interaction; Prototyping Interactive Systems; Human-Centered Data Analysis; Service Design, Brand & Value Creation; Game Artificial Intelligence; Information Visualization; Physical Prototyping in HCI; Information and Communication Technologies and Global Development; Visualizing Communication for Interaction; Design of Interactive Environments; Discovery and Invention in Digital Media; Wearable Technologies for Health; Universal Design; and Web Design Accessibility.

In addition to access to in-demand courses, all Georgia Tech MS-HCI students have the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Technology Management from the College of Management. Students will also complete a mandatory internship during the summer after their first year of study.

Graduates of the MS-HCI program have been hired at companies across the U.S. and around the globe. Across programs, Georgia Tech alumni have been hired by companies such as Microsoft, Google, Boeing, Apple, IBM, Disney, Tesla, Intel, Cisco Systems, and Delta Airlines

Georgia Institute of Technology was founded on October 13, 1885. The school opened in 1888, with 129 students enrolled in one degree program—the Mechanical Engineering BS. Today, Georgia Tech serves approximately 45,300 students from all 50 states and 149 countries.

More than 180 degree programs and minors are provided across six distinct colleges, 28 schools, and three campuses in Atlanta, Georgia (main); Georgia Tech-Lorraine in Metz, France; and Georgia Tech-Shenzhen in China. Georgia Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Humanities and the Arts and the College of Engineering at San Jose State University (San Jose State or SJSU) provide two graduate programs for students seeking careers in UX/UI/HCI. Options include the Master of Design (MDes) with a specialization in Experience Design (XD), and the Human Factors and Ergonomics MS (HFE MS).

Housed in the Department of Design within the College of Humanities and the Arts, the MDes with a specialization in XD is a two-year, multidisciplinary program that highlights advanced studio courses, seminars, and internship opportunities at the companies, museums, design firms, and start-ups in Silicon Valley. Students in this 60-unit program also have the opportunity to take on a teaching assistantship and/or collaborative projects with faculty as research assistants. The XD specialization requires 20 units. Students will select courses from the following options: Design Research Methodologies; Human Dimensions in Experience Design; Designing with Data & Emergent Technology; Graduate Studio: Experience Design (to be completed twice) and Professional Practices. Other course examples (core) include Contextual Studies; Graduate Seminar in Design; and Professional Writing in Design.

The culminating experience for the MDes at San Jose State University is the Master’s Project. Throughout this four-unit course, students will work with an approved faculty chair and committee to execute, publicly exhibit, and defend the merits of their Master’s project.

Graduates of the MDes program have gone on to work at tech companies, consulting firms, and start-ups such as Samsung, Chase, Whipsaw, IDEO, Tesla, Astro Studios, LinkedIn, Yelp, Airbnb, Lyft, and Volkswagen. Program alumni have also gone on to work in academia, pursue research careers, and enroll in PhD programs at top universities.

The Human Factors and Ergonomics MS at San Jose State University is housed in the College of Engineering’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). This STEM-designated, interdisciplinary program that provides multiple tracks and emphasis areas that focus on Human-Computer Interaction; Human-System Integration in Workplace and Production Design; and User Experience, among others. Students in all options have ample opportunities to study UX/UI/HCI.

Across options, students will take courses such as Human-Computer Interaction; Interaction Design I-II;  Usability Evaluation and Testing; Interactive and Interface Design; UI Design; Research in Human-Computer Interaction; Ethnographic Techniques; Ergonomics for Design; and Seminar in Perception. The culminating experience for the program is the Thesis (Plan A) or Project (Plan B).

Graduates of College of Engineering at San Jose State University are prepared for leadership roles in areas such as computer networking, manufacturing, government, healthcare, aerospace, internet and software, telecommunications, civil engineering, and many others. SJSU Engineering alumni have been hired at places such as NASA, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Google, Tesla, eBay, Apple, Cisco, SAP SE, Intel, IBM, Kohl’s, PayPal, and the City of San Jose.

Established in 1857, San Jose State University is Silicon Valley’s Public University. Serving approximately 36,000 students, the school provides more than 250 areas of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Programs at SJSU are housed across nine colleges and dozens of departments and schools. San Jose State University is accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University (ASU) is home to the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering—the nation’s largest engineering program. Housing eight schools, Fulton provides nearly 50 graduate and 25 undergraduate programs to approximately 31,815 students from all 56 states and nearly 160 countries. Within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is The Polytechnic School, which houses the User Experience MS (UX MS) program.

Students in this STEM-designated program will explore the design, development, and analysis of products and services, user interaction, UX research, communication, and content development. Required courses include Cross-Media Design Solutions; User Experience; Usability and User Experience; Fundamentals of Technical Communication; Methods and Tools in Human Systems Engineering; and Foundations of Human Systems Engineering.

Electives allow students to gain knowledge in different areas of UX. Two elective courses are allowed. Examples include Interaction Design, Planning and Implementation; Human Factors in Medical Systems; Content Management and Topic-Based Authoring; Product Design and Evaluation; Global Issues in Technical Communication; and Human Factors in Transportation. Students may also complete an internship.

The UX MS program at Arizona State University culminates with the User Experience Capstone. Students in this final course will create a document and synthesis of the graduate experience. 

Graduates of the program are prepared for positions in areas such as User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction, User Research, Interaction Design, Design Research, Interface Design, Digital Visualization Design, Usability Testing, and Human Factors Research.

Thanks to Career Fairs hosted by the Fulton Schools throughout the year, UX MS graduates have the potential to interview with major companies and organizations such as the U.S. Federal Government, Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Oracle, Verizon, Cisco Systems, American Express, Honeywell, the U.S. Armed Forces, Deloitte, General Motors, American Airlines, Epic Systems, Intel, Cox Communications, Starbucks, Infosys Limited, Choice Hotels International, eBay, and PayPal.

Arizona State University opened on Feb. 8, 1886 as Territorial Normal School (TNS)—the state’s first higher education institution. On the first day of class, TNS welcomed 33 students to a four-classroom building in Tempe, Arizona. Today, ASU serves approximately 142,635 students from across the U.S. and close to 160 other countries. More than 800 degree programs are provided across four campuses, 16 colleges and schools, and ASU Online. Arizona State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Engineering at ASU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) has a graduate Interaction Design program that explores interface design, human-computer interaction, and data visualization. Leading to Master of Design (MDes), this 36 credit hour program emphasizes hands-on product and experience design projects with engineers, investors, product managers, and other collaborators. ArtCenter industry partners include Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Ford, Netflix, BMW, DreamWorks, Mattel, Nike, Facebook, Walt Disney Imagineering, Riot Games, Honda, Blizzard Entertainment, and WB.

Through hands-on prototyping and labs, students will also create UX and interaction design work for their final project and portfolio.

In addition to UX design, research, and technologies such as machine learning and AI, the curriculum for the ArtCenter MDes focuses on professional creative development. Course examples include IxD History and Futures; Creative Prototyping 1 and 2; Product, Services, Systems; Writing for Interaction; Investing in People, Process, and Leadership; Design Research and Strategy; and Topic Studio.

At the end of each semester, MDes students will complete a Grad Lab course. This program requirement consists of assignments, weekly one-on-one group meetings, workshops, and a lecture series. In the Lab, students will also have opportunities to complete an internship and participate in conferences and competitions.

The Interaction Design MDes at ArtCenter College of Design culminates with the Capstone and Thesis. Final work will be shown across multiple mediums such as code, video, streaming, and mixed fidelity prototypes. The MDes can be completed in just one year.

Graduates of the Interaction Design MDes program at ArtCenter College of Design are prepared to pursue careers and leadership roles such as UX Designer, UI Designer, Digital Director, Interaction Designer (IxD), Lead Designer, User Researcher, Information Architect, Creative Director, Content Strategist, Creative Technologist, Producer, Social Media Director, Design Strategist, Mobile Designer, Designer/Developer (front-end or back-end), and Web Designer.

ArtCenter College of Design serves approximately 2,425 students from across the U.S. and more than 50 countries. Founded in 1930, ArtCenter has campuses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, California, along with satellite studios in Petersen Automotive Museum (Miracle Mile, Los Angeles), and Berlin, Germany. ArtCenter provides 21 degree programs in the industrial design, and visual and applied arts disciplines. Undergraduate minors in Business, Creative Writing, Material Science, Research, and Social Innovation, are also available.

ArtCenter College of Design is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The School of Visual Arts (SVA) has an Interaction Design MFA that consists of 60 credit hours. Learning for this collaborative program takes place in a studio environment where students work in transdisciplinary teams to solve real-world problems. Projects and activities take place in the studio and on-site at New York organizations. Students will have opportunities to gain additional experience through participation in the Summer internship program. Internships take place between the first and second years of the MFA program.

Students can expect to take courses such as Fundamentals of Physical Computing; The Advanced Fundamentals of UX; Framing User Experiences; Narrative and Interactivity; Conversation Design; Service Design and Transformation; Hello World: The Logic of Interaction; Strategic Innovation in Product/Service Design; Design Management; Augment Ideas into Reality; Foundations for Responsible Design; Future (Im)perfect: Exploring the Hidden Ethics of Emerging Technologies; Leadership, Ethics and Professional Practices; Smart Objects; and Entrepreneurial Design.

In the final year of the Interaction Design MFA program at the School of Visual Arts, students will complete the Thesis requirement across two courses—Thesis I: Development and Thesis II: Presentation. While most courses are worth 1-3 credits, Thesis courses are worth six credits each.

Graduates are prepared for careers in UI/UX Design, Interaction Design, and many others across industries. Some Interaction Design MFA graduates have gone on to launch their own start-ups, while others have been hired at companies and organizations such as Apple, Reuters, Facebook, Johnson & Johnson, R/GA, IDEO, X (formerly Twitter), frog design, and Yelp.

The School of Visual Arts was founded in 1947 as the Cartoonists and Illustrators School by artists Silas H. Rhodes and Burne Hogarth (Tarzan). With over 1,100 New York City-based professionals working in the arts as faculty, SVA serves more than 7,000 students enrolled in 31 programs. To date, the School of Visual Arts has graduated more than 40,000 artists, designers, writers, filmmakers, photographers and other creative professionals. SVA is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Parsons School of Design is part of The New School. Within Parsons are two graduate paths to study UX/UI including the Design and Technology MFA and the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Communication Design. Across options, students have access to The New School XReality Center—home to the XR Reality Lab and XR-related events. The Lab emphasizes immersive learning; supports research and student projects; and hosts a variety of workshops and meetups.

The Design and Technology MFA is a 60 credit hour program that explores the interactive, visual, and narrative aspects of design technology. This highly collaborative program focuses on software programming and computation. Course examples include xFab Lecture and Lab; Cloud Salon; Creative Practice Seminar; Major Studio; and Critical Computation Lecture and Lab.

Students in this STEM-designated program will also complete a number of projects. Typical MFA projects involve interaction design, game design, new media art, digital fabrication, web and mobile apps, wearable technology, critical design, and data visualization. MFA students have had the opportunity to collaborate on projects with external partners such as Ralph Lauren, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Human Rights Watch, and One Plus.

The Design and Technology MFA at Parsons School of Design culminates the Thesis, which students will complete across two courses. Final projects are presented at the Design + Technology BFA/MFA Thesis Show. In 2023, the event was titled Entropy.

Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as UX/UI Design, Interaction Design, Game Design, Computer Software and Hardware Design, AR/VR, Motion Graphics, Virtual Reality and Immersion Experience Design, Mobile and Application Design, and Web Design.

The Communication Design MPS is a one-year, full-time program that allows students to supplement required coursework with two electives from other departments. Courses may explore aeras such as data visualization, marketing, and psychology.

During the first semester of the program, students will take the following required courses: Typography and Interaction; Major Studio 1; and Visual Culture Seminar. In the second and final semester, students will complete Typography and Interaction 2; Major Studio 2; and Methods and Practices. The program culminates with a final portfolio of the students best work.

Graduates of the Communication Design MPS program at The New School – Parsons School of Design are prepared for UX/UI careers in across industries. Examples include technology, education, health care, government, e-commerce, gaming, retail, banking, insurance, and travel.

The New School was founded in 1919. Serving approximately 10,815 students, the school provides more than 120 degree and diploma programs across six colleges and schools, including Parsons Paris. The New School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Michigan State University (MSU) is home to the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci). Within the ComArtSci is the Department of Media and Information (MI), which has two graduate degree programs for students interested in pursuing advanced roles in UX/UI/HCI. Options include the Media and Information MA with a focus in Human Computer Interaction, and the User Experience MS. Both programs are STEM-designated with access to labs, online courses, and opportunities to work on projects with real clients.

MA and MS students also benefit from small class sizes; faculty and media networks; and courses taught by faculty with research and professional experience. Course examples for the MA program include Usability and Accessibility; Interaction Design/Socio-Technical Systems; Understanding Users; and Theories of Games and Interaction Design.

MS students can expect to take courses such as User Research and Design; Current Topics in UX; Design for Interactivity; Quantitative Analysis and Insights in UX; Usability Evaluation; Programming Fundamentals for UX; and Social Science for Design.

To enhance the ComArtSci graduate degree programs, the Department of Media and Information encourages adding additional focus areas and/or building your own (e.g. HCI/Game Development or UX/Game Design); special topics; and participation in the MSU Internship Program. Examples of where students have interned include Apple, Fabrik Entertainment, ABC Studios, The Daily Show, and AutoZone.

The Media and Information MA and the User Experience MS programs at Michigan State University culminate with a final project or Capstone. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in UX/UI/HCI across industries. Examples include technology, government, education, gaming, retail, education, health care, insurance, travel, banking, and e-commerce.

Established in 1855, Michigan State University is a land-grant, public research institution that serves more than 51,000 students. One of the largest and greenest campuses in the U.S., MSU houses more than 100 institutes and centers including the Institute of Global Health and the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. The school also houses over 400 programs of study across 17 degree-granting colleges. Michigan State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) is the first school of its kind in the U.S. Serving more than 4,500 students, Luddy provides BS, MS and PhD programs that prepare professionals to solve problems through the use of information technology. The knowledge and skills acquired through the School can be applied in a variety of settings from education and healthcare to new media and games.

For students seeking advanced positions or leadership roles in UX/UI/HCI, the Luddy School at IU Bloomington has a STEM-designated Human-Computer Interaction (HCI/d) MS that takes two years to complete.

The first program in the U.S. to emphasize design as an equal partner to HCI, the HCI/d MS is an intensive degree that explores interaction design, design strategy, and user research methods as it relates to the development of interactive experiences, systems, and services. The program features studio courses; the option to focus the curriculum through 18 elective credits; and the opportunity to study abroad in places such as Greece and Finland.

Courses for the HCI/d MS at UI Bloomington are led by professionals in the field. Examples of core requirements include Introduction to HCI/d; Foundations of HCI/d; Meaning and Form in HCI/d; and Interaction Design Methods. Through these studio courses, students will work in teams on projects and explore areas such as experience design, HCI, design strategy, qualitative methods in HCI, UX research, project management, interaction design, and scholarship.

Electives options are endless and may include Experience Design; Topics: Visual Design for HCI; Mobile and Pervasive Design; Topics: Disney: Tech Tourism & Leisure; Human-Robot Interaction; Topics: Creating Virtual Assets; Design Strategy; Topics: Creativity and Innovation in Technology; Advanced Prototyping; Topics: Usable AI; and Technology Innovation.

Students will also gain hands-on experience by exploring the analysis and communicating of design insights, and they will work in teams to create strong design portfolio projects.

The HCI/d MS at Indiana University Bloomington culminates with the Capstone project, which consists of an independent project. Graduates of the program work in a variety of roles including UX Design Manager, UI Developer, UX Designer, UX Design Lead, UX Researcher, Product Manager, Information Architect, UX Engineer, Creative Director, Senior Front-End Designer/Developer, Product Designer, and Interaction Designer.

Founded in 1820, Indiana University Bloomington is the flagship campus of Indiana University’s seven campuses and two regional centers. Indiana University serves more than 90,000 students, with approximately 45,330 enrolled at the Bloomington campus. This makes IU Bloomington the largest campus in the IU System. More than 300 programs are provided across 16 degree-granting colleges and schools, and the Hutton Honors College. Indiana University Bloomington is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) at DePaul University (DePaul) houses the School of Design (SoD). Within the SoD are two programs for students who would like to pursue advanced studies in UX/UI/HCI. Options include the Human-Computer Interaction MS and the PhD in Human Centered Design. Both programs are interdisciplinary with access to the CDM Usability Lab and opportunities to contribute to organizations such as XD Roundtable and the Chicago Interaction Design Association.

The HCI MS explores focuses on areas such as interaction design, prototype development, exploratory user research, information architecture, and ICT evaluation. Course examples include Scripting for Interactive Systems; HCI Design Fundamentals I-II; Prototyping and Implementation; Interaction Design and Information Architecture; Information Architecture and Content Strategy; and Usability Evaluation Methods.

To enhance the degree, students have opportunities to take both HCI and Non-HCI electives. Marketing Management; Managing Change for Digital Transformation; Game Design Workshop; and Collaborative Projects Technologies for Leading Projects are just a few Non-HCI electives. Examples of HCI electives include Designing for Content Management Systems; UX Strategy and Web Analytics; Multimedia; Social Interaction Design; Design Ethnography; and User Experience Design Practicum.

The HCI MS culminates with the Human-Computer Interaction Capstone, where students work in teams to design, evaluate, and implement a user interface intensive project.

Graduates of the HCI MS programs at DePaul University are prepared to pursue leadership roles in HCI, user experience, user interface, computing, and interaction design in industries such as software development, healthcare, marketing, education, publishing, and many others.

Potential job titles include Lead UX/UI Designer, Creative Director, Product Manager, Usability Specialist, Mobile Web Application Developer, Game Developer (Learning), Senior Software Engineer, UX Researcher, Social Media Strategist, and Senior Web Developer. CDM alumni work at companies such as Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, Allstate, and Grainger.

The Human Centered Design PhD at DePaul University prepares students to work in academia, government organization, and industry research labs such as IBM, Google, Lucent Technologies, and Motorola. Through advanced coursework, students will learn to design and conduct research studies; design human-centered experiences through research findings; and create experiences in a specific area. The program also explores academic and the process of reviewing literature.

The PhD program consists of three phases: Foundation; Design and Production; and Research. The Foundation Phase includes courses such as Design and Human Experience; Theories and Methods in Human-Centered Design; and Designing Interfaces for Emerging Technologies. In the Design and Production Phase, students must take one required course (Communication and Technology) and 32 credits from a preselected list of courses.

Examples include Introduction to User-Centered Design; Digital Design; Moving Image Workshop; Social Interaction Design; Perception and Cognition; Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction; Prototyping and Implementation; Health Informatics; Design Ethnography; and Accessibility Considerations in HCI.   

In the Research Phase, PhD students have the opportunity to work with a faculty advisor and two additional faculty members to lead a small research project from inception to publication. Students will choose a specific focus area for the project. Options include human-centered design, learning sciences, game design and development, or interactive media. Work for the Research Phase will be completed over three designated courses: Independent Study; Research; and Candidacy Dissertation Research.

The Human Centered Design PhD at DePaul University requires 60 credit hours to graduate. Students typically complete the program in 4-5 years.

DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States. Founded in 1898, the school is also the nation’s 12th-largest private, not-for-profit university, and the largest private, not-for-profit college in the Midwest. Serving approximately 20,920 students, DePaul provides more than 300 undergraduate majors and graduate programs across two campuses, and 10 academic colleges and schools. DePaul University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) sends more graduates to Silicon Valley than just about any other college in the U.S. The schools engineering and computer science programs rank among the best in the U.S., with learning that takes place in state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and research centers. The School of Information ( I School) at UC Berkeley is one of universities newest professional schools. This graduate education and research community provides master’s degrees and PhD programs that allow students to select a research, major or minor area to match their goals. Examples include Human-Computer Interaction; User Experience Research; Information Visualization; Information Systems Design; Computer-Mediated Communication; Information and Communication Technologies and Development; and Design.

Specific degree options include the Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS); the Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS); and Information Science PhD. Across programs, examples of UX/UI/HCI coursework include Introduction to User Experience Design; Human-Centered Data Management; Storytelling for Your UX Portfolio; Product Design Studio; Applied Machine Learning; Data Visualization; Computer Vision; and Behind the Data: Humans and Values.

All UC I School students have access to the XR Lab@Berkeley—a Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Laboratory (AR/VR/MR), the student-run Extended Reality@Berkeley (est. 2015), and the FHL Vive Center for Enhanced Reality, which sponsors research and applications in AR/VR and AI.

Collectively, the Labs and Centers at UC Berkeley train Computer Scientists and Engineers in all areas of AR/VR. The Labs also advance the field of AR/VR through development plans, actions, and state-of-art research, while bringing attention to the unlimited possibilities associated with advancements in technology.

The MIMS and MIDS programs culminate with a Capstone Project or Thesis. Some MIMS students design and implement a prototype information system, while others may focus their projects on research for t written Thesis. For their Capstone projects, MIDS students work in teams to create a project to be presented in class, with a web-based final deliverable.

Graduates of the MIMS and MIDS within the UC Berkeley I School go on to work for technology companies, the entertainment industry, non-profits, healthcare, government, financial services, consulting, and start-ups. They work in areas such as user experience research, user interface design, human-computer interaction, data analysis and modeling, machine learning, product management, data visualization, and software development.

Graduates of the MIMS and MIDS programs at UC Berkeley are Product Managers, US Designers, AI & Tech Leads, Interaction Designers, User Researchers, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, Program Managers, and Research Scientists for companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, Visa, Adobe, Meta, Riot Games, Apple, PlayStation, Salesforce, Volvo, and GitHub.

The PhD program culminates with the Dissertation. Past PhD Dissertation examples include Embodying the Future: Modeling Visually Guided Planning as Prospective Mental Stimulation; Creating and Collecting Meaningful Musical Materials with Machine Learning; and Designing Automated Assistants for Visual Data Exploration.

Graduates of the Information Science PhD program at UC Berkeley are tenure-track professors at schools such as Georgia Tech, University of Cape Town, UC San Diego, and of course Berkeley. Alumni are also leaders at Google, IDEO, Airbnb, Internet Society, and AiM Solutions.

Chartered in 1868, University of California, Berkeley was named after 18th-century philosopher George Berkeley. The school serves approximately 45,310 students enrolled in more than 350 degree programs across 15 colleges and schools and dozens of academic departments. UC Berkeley has been fully accredited since 1949 and had its accreditation reaffirmed in 2015 under the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The Master of Science in Design + Innovation (MD+I) at University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is provided through a partnership between five schools and colleges. These include the College of Engineering; the School of Human Ecology; the Art Department within the School of Education; the School of Business; and the Information School in the College of Letters & Science. Because the program is cross-disciplinary, students will work within the art, engineering, business, engineering, and art fields, among others.

Other program features include team-based, real-world projects with industry partners; specialized learning tracks such as UI/UX Design, Communication Design, Design Strategy, and Product Design; the option to mix and match courses from each track to create an individual MD+I experience; and accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).  

Consisting of 30 credit hours, the MD+I at UW-Madison requires 18 credit hours of core courses that provide a foundation in human-centered design. Examples include Advanced Design Thinking for Transformation; Tools for Prototyping and Manufacturing; Strategic Management of Innovation; Data Visualization and Communication for Decision Making; and Managing by Design.

Specializations are 12 credit hours. UI/UX Design and Product Design are ideal options for students seeking advanced or leadership roles in UX/UI/HCI. Students in these specialization will take many of the same courses. Examples include User Experience Design 1; Virtual Reality; Human Factors Engineering; Digital Imaging Studio; Wearable Technology; Virtual Reality; and Technology Entrepreneurship.

Across all specializations, students will complete the Collaborative Capstone I-II courses. Consisting of six credit hours, this culminating experience for the MD+I program provides the opportunity for students to identify a focus area and explore it through prototyping, user testing, and iteration. Students will create a final, high resolution design, with communication and launch plan for a startup, product, or service. Throughout the experience, students will practice behaviors of design thinking including storytelling, ethics, and critique.

The Master of Science in Design + Innovation at University of Wisconsin-Madison can be completed in a traditional format (four years), or an accelerated format in just one to two years. Graduates are prepared for advanced and leadership roles across industries. Examples of companies that have hired UW-Madison graduates include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Epic, Intuit, Morningstar, and GE.

Founded in 1848, University of Wisconsin–Madison serves approximately 50,660, making it the largest university in Wisconsin. Part of the University of Wisconsin System of more than 161,000 students, UW Madison provides more than 600 undergraduate and graduate majors across 23 colleges, schools, and institutes. University of Wisconsin–Madison has been continuously accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913.